Tapuai to join Bath after Western Force release

Western Force have released centre Ben Tapuai from his contract to join Premiership club Bath.

Tapuai, who has won seven caps for Australia, made 22 appearances in his only season in Western Australia, having arrived from Queensland Reds ahead of the 2016 Super Rugby campaign.

"Bath made a fantastic offer to Ben and that provided an opportunity to free up some money in the salary cap for us to explore a few other options, so it was of mutual benefit for both parties," said Western Force head coach Dave Wessels.

Tapuai himself added: "I've been presented with a great opportunity at Bath Rugby and I think it's the right move for me at this stage in my career.

"The support I have received from the Sea of Blue over the last year has been incredible and I've loved my time in Western Australia and at the club."

Tapuai will join up with his new team-mates in the next couple of weeks.

"We're really excited to have Ben join us," said Bath director of rugby Todd Blackadder. "He's a really good all-rounder, which will be a great boost for us, and the experience he has of international and Super Rugby will bring a new way of looking at things, and will really help develop our young midfield players."